Ten sustainable landscape design techniques –

1. plant trees to shade buildings and protect from wind
2. use local material
3. on-site composting & chipping
4. buy plants from local grower
5. reduce your lawn area
6. use drought resistant plants
7. if you need to irrigate install a low water use irrigation system
8. water harvesting – ex- rain barrels, cisterns, rain gardens, bio-swale
9. use organic pesticides and fertilizers
10. apply a min 3” layer of mulch

Gardening Tip of the Week – Pruning Mums

By July 1st you need to cut back your mums to prevent them from being too leggy in the Fall.

Hello Summer!!!

Hello Summer!

Gardening Tip of the Week - Moss

Do you have moss growing in your lawn? Most likely your soil’s pH is too low.

We suggest having your soil tested and then applying Dolomitic Lime to raise it up to the recommended level of 6.0 to 6.5.

Gardening Tip of the Week - Grass Clippings

Q: What can I do with my grass clippings?

A: You can recycle them in a compost heap — they make an excellent “fuel” to combine with material such as leaves to start the decomposition process. Use them also to mulch flower beds or shrub borders. If you use them as a mulch in the vegetable garden, do not do so if you are using weed killers or insecticides on the lawn.

Gardening Tip of the Week - Houseplants

How soon can I take houseplants outdoors? When should I bring them in?

Houseplants are, typically, tropical plants we keep out of the cold in our homes. In the Maine, hardiness zones 4b to 5b, Memorial Day weekend can be a general date to target. At the end of the season, think about it at Labor Day and play it by the weather changes.

Gardening Tip of the Week – Fertilizer

Fertilizers provide nutrients necessary for plant health and growth, such as nitrogen (N) phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

Nitrogen is needed for healthy green growth and regulation of other nutrients.

Phosphorus helps proper roots and seeds develop and resist disease.

Potassium is also important in root development and disease resistance.

Happy Memorial Day!